Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Care for the Dying

I rarely link to other sites or articles. This is because, having written 5 books, I'm hypersensitive to broach of copyright issues. My books have been pirated and offered "for free" from numerous websites, and this is upsetting. I don't know whether someone who clicks on these sites actually receives one of my books, but I'm certain a virus or malware comes with the download. That my books would be used as bait for people who could cause my readers harm is just...so upsetting. The takeaway from this is that if something sounds too good to be true, don't be drawn in.

But this isn't like that.

I found a little article at caring.com today that addresses an issue so important that I want to bookmark it for myself and share it with others.

It is a brief, easy-to-remember summary of the main wishes of someone who is dying (although it omits the #1 need of all who are at death's door, which I address in the next paragraph). It's something for me to keep in mind for when my mother's time comes, and I'll share the link with you here: The Four Main Wishes of the Dying, by Paula Spencer Scott.

(Our very most important need as we are dying is that we are unafraid of what happens after death. My referring you to this article assumes that your loved one has peace in the knowledge that death takes us to be at home with Christ. For those uncertain whether their loved ones have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I refer you to this post: What if My Loved One is Not Saved. )

I'm praying right now for those of you who are providing care for someone diagnosed with a terminal disease. It's a difficult journey, but I am continually reminded of the Lord's steadfast, enabling presence. "The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything" (Deuteronomy 2:7).

God remembers our labors on behalf of our loved ones, provides for our needs, and sees us through even the most difficult of times.

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About Me

If my mom hadn't gotten Alzheimer's, I would never have written a book
for caregivers. If I hadn't lost the reading program that meant so much
to me, I wouldn't have taken early retirement from my teaching job. If I
hadn't already had author status, I'd never have written a novel that
is a tribute to how much I loved teaching kids to read. If God hadn't
kept my heart's needs in mind through the sorrows He allowed, a
traditional publishing company never would have picked up either of my
books. And if I hadn't become overweight, I'd never have learned about God's mercy and grace in a way that would help others and free me from a lifelong case of self-condemnation. I am grateful, and have peace in the understanding that God truly
does work all things together for good.